NewKerala.com

Suryakumar Yadav's Blazing 82* Silences Critics, India Lead NZ 2-0

Former cricketer Atul Wassan has praised Suryakumar Yadav's crucial fifty against New Zealand, defending the player's form by stating that T20 cricket is more about luck. Yadav's blistering 82* from 37 balls helped India chase down a target and secure a 2-0 lead in the five-match T20I series. His innings, supported by Ishan Kishan and Shivam Dube, came at a perfect time ahead of next month's T20 World Cup. The win follows an opening victory where Abhishek Sharma was named Player of the Match.

Key Points: Suryakumar Yadav's 82* Powers India to 2-0 Lead vs NZ

  • Suryakumar Yadav scores 82* off 37 balls
  • India secures 2-0 series lead vs New Zealand
  • Atul Wassan defends player's form in T20 cricket
  • Innings praised as perfect before T20 World Cup
  • Ishan Kishan and Shivam Dube provide key support
2 min read

"He is a good player and will deliver": Atul Wassan lauds Suryakumar Yadav's fifty against NZ

Atul Wassan backs Suryakumar Yadav after match-winning fifty vs NZ. India takes 2-0 lead in T20I series ahead of World Cup. Read more.

"I say he is a good player. He will deliver. - Atul Wassan"

New Delhi, January 24

Former Indian cricketer Atul Wassan praised India's T20 captain Suryakumar Yadav's fifty against New Zealand, calling him a good player.

He emphasised that in T20 cricket, form is about luck, and good players should be backed. After 23 innings, for the first time since October 2024, Suryakumar scored a fifty in T20Is.

His 82* in 37 balls, with nine fours and four sixes, is no less than a century, given the circumstances it came in during the match, with India at 6/2. It also came at the perfect time, in India's last series before the T20 World Cup, which starts next month.

"I was saying this when people were questioning his (Suryakumar Yadav) form. I say he is a good player. He will deliver. I think people have to realise in T20, never talk about form. It is all about luck, and if you have invested in a good player, and he is identified, and he is proven to be a good player, don't just ditch," Atul Wassan told ANI.

His blistering performance alongside a brilliant fifty from left-handed batter Ishan Kishan and a cameo from all-rounder Shivam Dube helped India to thrash New Zealand by seven wickets in a high-scoring contest at the Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh International Stadium on Friday.

With this commanding win, the Men in Blue have a 2-0 lead in the high-voltage five-match T20I series against the Black Caps.

Earlier, the hosts won the opening contest by 48 runs, with opener Abhishek Sharma winning the Player of the Match for his blistering half-century.

- ANI

Share this article:

Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As a cricket fan living in India, I have to respectfully disagree with the "all about luck" part. Yes, luck plays a role, but SKY's innings was about skill, temperament, and reading the situation. Calling it just luck does a disservice to his talent.
V
Vikram M
Perfect timing before the World Cup! This is exactly the confidence booster the team and SKY needed. When he fires, India wins. Simple. Hope he carries this momentum to the USA and West Indies! 🏏
A
Ananya R
The partnership with Ishan was crucial too. But let's be honest, our fans and media are too quick to write players off. One bad series and we start calling for their heads. We need more patience like Wassan is suggesting.
M
Michael C
Watching from the UK, that was an incredible innings. The way he counter-attacked from 6/2 changed the entire game. That's why he's the No. 1 T20 batter. Form is temporary, class is permanent.
P
Priya S
So happy for him! He was looking so disappointed with himself lately. This fifty must be a huge relief. Now please don't put too much pressure on him for the World Cup. Let him play his natural game. 🙏

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

Leave a Comment

Minimum 50 characters 0/50